Yes! Reading Aloud Enhances Intelligence! – EVEN UP THROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES.
Most people recognize that reading to very young children is valuable, but did you know there are scientific studies that back up reading aloud, even throughout the middle school grades? As an elementary teacher, I saw firsthand the importance of reading aloud to my fourth-grade students. It is a great way to capture their attention and help them explore new interests and learn in so many valuable ways. Many people realize the vocabulary of children who read and who are read to increases. What is fascinating is that by reading aloud, parents can enhance children’s intelligence. (Batini, et al., 2025).
An academic study recently out of Italy explored what could happen to children’s intelligence “based upon two measures of intelligence focusing on knowing things and thinking skills” (Batini et al. 2025). They compared groups of elementary and middle school students whose teachers read to them for an hour a day to students whose teachers instead gave them language arts lessons during this one hour. Remarkably, the students whose teacher read to them showed a notably more substantial increase in the two measures of intelligence that they were testing.
So, what does this mean to us as parents? It means there is a tangible way to help enhance your children’s intelligence simply by reading aloud to them. By making the effort to stop by the library or read books from your personal library, you are positively helping your children. I strongly recommend building your private library so that quality books are always available. Further, rereading books helps teach younger children reading skills, and children of all ages love well-loved books that are read repeatedly. It is essential to seek quality books for the maximum impact. Quality children’s books have stood the test of time and create a bond with the children, with their unique characters becoming cherished friends. Find quality children’s books for sale that are coming soon at the All American Parenting shop.
Roadblocks. This goes against the cultural norms that shove our kids into social media and video gaming. And it does mean we have to choose to participate in parenting actively. I get it – some days, we’re too blasted, and that’s okay. As your children grow older, it may be more challenging. Especially by the middle school years, it may be “easier” to let your kids run off and join their friends playing video games. After all, we’re all working hard doing life, but it’s important to consider the positive and negative consequences. The study mentioned another study that compared ten-year-olds who spent time reading versus playing video games and found “greater connectivity in the brain” in the students who read.
Which books to read? Coming soon to the All American Parenting store will offer quality children’s books.
So, YES! Keep making an effort to find good quality books and read them aloud to your children. It’s great to get your children involved in selecting books, but as a parent, you see the bigger picture of their needs. Help guide them to good literature and take the time to embrace the moments spent reading together.
When to Read? Schedule a time before bed when everyone is relaxing, or find a time that works for your family best. If you lead a busy life, picking a set daily time to meet up on the couch for a few books may be necessary. Maybe it’s only possible for your family on the weekends, and that’s okay! We all are doing the best we can, but be encouraged. YOU are in a position to help your child succeed and literally increase your child’s intelligence. You’ve got this!
Blessings,
Jeanne
References
Batini, F, et al. (Jan. 2025). Shared reading aloud fosters intelligence: Three cluster-randomized control trials in elementary and middle school. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160289624000904
Copyright 2025